One of the reasons a justice system exists is to keep people from taking it into their own hands which leads to endless revenge/honor killings and feuds that last forever. It can also be less harsh, at least in some ways, then what the aggrieved may do on their own. However, when the justice system refuses to apply justice, expect people to start taking things into their own hands. This can manifest in plenty of ways (jury nullification, no witnesses seeing anything somehow, etc.) and has happened many times over the years.

If people see great harm being done with no justice, they may take things into their own hands. There aren’t a lot of ways that are actually going to make a difference that an individual can do (a sociopath isn’t going to give a shit about a latter or petition). If the justice system will not do good by the people, their means are limited as they cannot inflict the type of legal and financial pain a justice system can. As such, they turn to the only thing they know might work.

I believe we should abolish the death penalty. Half of me would really like to keep it for those in positions of power over others who abuse that (police, politicians, abusive caregivers, etc.), especially if there’s a chance they could get back out, but it’s better to be rid of it entirely. That doesn’t mean I’m not going to cheer if an arms dealer is fed to a woodchipper or those responsible for immense pain and suffering and death of others are no more.